Building Resilience In Communities Key To Tackling Insecurity — CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, emphasised the importance of building resilience in communities to tackle insecurity.
The CDS stated this at the opening of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Workshop, organised by the Defence Headquarters and the British Defence Staff.
Musa, represented by Rear Adm. Ayuba Chugali, said military operations is beyond tactical victories.
“The success of modern military operations depends on enhancing human security, building resilience, and fostering peace and development.
“Our objective here is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop peace-building programmes in conflict-affected areas and to strengthen our non-kinetic operational approaches.”
According to him, in a world where conflict and tension often cloud perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies allows the military to navigate conflicts with dignity, fostering dialogue and collaboration, and building more peaceful and resilient communities.
He said that the nature of today’s threats, including insecurity in various forms, calls for an approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.
“The role of human security and civil-military cooperations in national development hinges on this.
“By bridging the gap between military efforts and civilian aspirations for peace and stability, by upholding human security values, we not only aim to neutralise threats but also protect and support civilians affected by conflict,” Musa said.
The CDS said the workshop would delve into the complexities of Human Security and Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC), and provide the participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.
He said that it was necessary for the military to enhance human security, build resilience, and foster peace and development in conflict-affected regions through a “whole-of-society approach, where every individual and institution contributes to peace and security.
“This approach, coupled with our commitment to non-kinetic strategies, is central to safeguarding unity and growth.
“Throughout this workshop, participants will explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasizing the critical role of CIMIC.”
He said that through discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, the workshop will highlight the importance of CIMIC in counter-terrorism and counter insurgency context.
“We will examine real-world cases to understand where CIMIC has succeeded and where there’s room for adjustments.
“Participants will also discuss how to strengthen CIMIC capabilities to facilitate positive security outcomes in Nigeria,” Musa said.
The CDS appreciated the British High Commission, and the British defence staff for their support and consistent commitment to the professional development of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He encouraged the participants to engage fully, learn from one another, and forge partnerships that would drive the progress of civil-military cooperation and human security beyond the workshop.
“I uge you to examine any systemic barriers and unconscious biases that may hinder our collective efforts in these areas.
“Together, let us contribute meaningfully to a more just and resilient Nigeria.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, said that military personnel must discharge their responsibilities with highest standard of competence, whether in peace or war time.
Saraso, represented by Brigadier General David Nwakonobi, Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, appreciated the CDS for the workshop, and expressed confidence that it would promote the culture of respect in civil-military cooperation for national development.
